We love saving our customers money in addition to keeping their facilities operating! We recently helped Rivian Automotive, Inc., the electric vehicle manufacturer, with two new pumps that were critical to their manufacturing line.

Mechanical Equipment’s involvement started when an engineer from IMEG Corp. contacted us for help with sizing and pricing of an inline pump. After discussing the parameters of the system, we suggested another option.

An inline pump would have worked for the application however it would have required a 600 horse power motor. By offering an alternative solution, our Taco TA series, horizontal split case pump with a 400 horse power motor, we could save Rivian money with the initial cost as well as by operating a pump needing less horse power. The TA Model offers a double-suction design and the impeller assures minimum NPSH requirement.

You don’t often see 400 horsepower pumps because they’re only needed with high water-flow requirements, and that’s exactly what Rivian needed. The application was to provide cooling for the machines that perform spot welding on body parts. It’s essential to keeping the manufacturing line up and running.  

We worked with the engineer at IMEG as well as the Rivian project manager to draw up the plans and design the system from the ground up. The pump needed to deliver 3180 gallons of water per minute, at 305-feet of head.

We visited the Rivian manufacturing plant once the pumps were installed, to do the formal start-up of the system since it was such a unique design. Rivian manufactures and assembles everything needed for their electric vehicles – the battery, motor, and body. They even handle painting in house. It was fascinating to see the hundreds of American manufactured trucks being made and even more waiting to be shipped.

The vehicle manufacturing line that the new pump system supported was impressive.

Special thanks to IMEG Corp. and Taco for a great project design, and creating a successful pump system unique for Rivian. Thanks to Rivian for their support of Taco products. If you have a unique application for a pump or other HVAC system, or even an “everyday” project, give Mechanical Equipment a call. We understand that every client has different needs and we have the expertise to help you select the right options for a successful project.

These fabricated metal enclosures are important for both concealing and protecting exposed piping or electrical conduit.

Conceal

Not all pipes in a building can be enclosed within walls, ceilings, or floors. Maintenance may need access to the pipes periodically or the pipes may be necessary to emit the desired heat or water into the room. But many times, these pipes aren’t aesthetically pleasing. So, concealing them in an attractive way becomes a value to the building owner, facility managers, and most importantly occupants.

Protect

Metal enclosures are also important to protect the pipes or wiring from damage and extending their peak working condition. But it also protects people from accidental contact. Safety in schools, hospitals, industrial complexes, commercial buildings, and public housing is critical.

Types of Pipes to Enclose

The types of pipes that the building maintenance supervisors want to conceal and protect could include:

• Hot and cold water pipes
• Steam pipes for heating
• Refrigerant pipes
• Sprinkler pipes
• Electrical conduit

Types of Custom Metal Enclosures

Our custom enclosures are fabricated by a local Union sheet metal shop, instead of being manufacturing in another state, which allows us to offer our customers a quick turnaround. It also saves you money on shipping from out of state.

We offer galvannealed painted and unpainted enclosures, as well as stainless and aluminum, so you have options for the building aesthetics. Galvannealed sheet is carbon steel dipped and coated with zinc on both sides. The metal is then heated turning the coating into a zinc iron alloy, giving the sheet an improved or smoother surface finish, so it can be painted to match the room.

If you want to paint the enclosure, we offer colors from a standard RAL color chart or can even provide custom colors if required.

Our Process

When possible, to ensure quality and make it easier for our customers, a Mechanical Equipment sales engineer will meet with the installing contractor on the project and field measure together. This helps the project go more smoothly and avoid any costly measurement mistakes.

If you are a mechanical engineer, building facility manager, or contractor looking for custom metal HVAC pipe enclosure options or solutions for commercial or institutional building, give us a call at 800-355-7061. We have an enviable amount of experience in the industry and are happy to share our expertise on what is possible.

Proceeds from the Gala go directly to Gilda’s Club and Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

This is an awesome event to enjoy with friends or to entertain customers. The Gala features an evening of great live music, silent and live auctions, food, drinks and a chance to win $10,000 for a $100 raffle ticket. Tables and individual tickets are still available for the event, however it sells out every year. This is a great corporate entertainment venue.

The Gala will be held September 10, 2022 at 6 pm at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire, IL. For more details and to purchase tickets, check-out LMCB.org.

Only 300 tickets are available and they sell-out every year, so don’t delay! See you there!